MAGIC COTTAGE - romantic riverside retreat, BAY OF ISLANDS
*ROMANTIC RETREAT!*
VOTED ONE OF THE TOP 10 LUXURY LODGES in NZ, Magic Cottage is a beautiful and secluded riverside retreat offering romantic self-catering accommodation amid 5 acres of sub-tropical gardens. Perched on the banks of the Takou River, just upstream from Takou Bay, Magic Cottage is the ultimate romantic retreat. “…a place of absolute, blessed escape…” NZ Herald on Sunday.
PERFECT HONEYMOON DESTINATION! Hidden from view this studio cottage features a romantic outdoor claw foot bath on the deck overlooking the river; stunning views across the water; an absolute waterfront location; complete seclusion; a super king bed and luxurious bed linen; fresh flowers, magazines and books; kayaks, canoes and fishing; private boathouse and jetty, secluded swimming spots, glow worms and 150 acres of pristine native bush, pasture and river front to explore.
ABSOLUTE WATERFRONT! Peace, seclusion and tranquility abound - a beautiful private river frontage; 150 acres of organic farmland with marked walks along the river bank, through native bush and pastures to secluded swimming and picnic spots; magical glow worms; 5 acres of beautiful sub-tropical gardens to wander and explore; our private jetty and boat house with free kayaks, canoes and fishing rods; and last but not least, access to the beautiful deserted sandy beaches at Takou Bay a short paddle or drive downstream.
IDEAL LOCATION! Magic Cottage is centrally located to explore the wider Bay of Islands and Far North, yet hidden away from the hustle and bustle amid 150 acres of organic pasture, native bush and river frontage. Enjoy the flourishing birdlife; wander enchanted gardens and riverside walks; paddle to Takou Bay; relax, refresh and romance in the claw foot bath – or bask in the bliss of doing absolutely nothing. Special conditions: Two night minimum stay Public Holidays, Christmas and; New Year extended minimum stays (enquire for details). Not suitable for children No Smoking
Extras: Cleaning (included); Linen (included);
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses a grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Kaeo
Located in Kaeo, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Marty's Golf Range and Pure Day Spa are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit The Parrot Place and Makana Confections. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and hiking/biking trails.
Is MAGIC COTTAGE - romantic riverside retreat, BAY OF ISLANDS pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at MAGIC COTTAGE - romantic riverside retreat, BAY OF ISLANDS?
As of 11 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at MAGIC COTTAGE - romantic riverside retreat, BAY OF ISLANDS on 18 Sept 2026 start from £198, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at MAGIC COTTAGE - romantic riverside retreat, BAY OF ISLANDS?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at MAGIC COTTAGE - romantic riverside retreat, BAY OF ISLANDS?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at MAGIC COTTAGE - romantic riverside retreat, BAY OF ISLANDS?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is MAGIC COTTAGE - romantic riverside retreat, BAY OF ISLANDS located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is 6 mi (9.6 km) from Takou Bay and within 12 miles (20 km) of Marty's Golf Range and Rainbow Falls. Fairy Pools and Whangaroa Museum are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Such a fabulous location.
We loved every minute of our stay. The perfect place to unwind and take a step back from life.
I particularly liked being so close to the water.
meri t.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Jan 2024
Hi Meri,
Thank you so much for coming to stay at Magic Cottage and we're so pleased you loved your escape!
Do come back and stay with us again.
Kind regards,
Anna
This was nothing like we expected, it was better in every way.
The photos on website doesn't do the location justice is the experience are far better. Anna's response to my messages on the website and the information that I requested was more than expected and responses within a day if not the same day.
Beautiful location, tranquil, relaxing. Bath on the river was stunning! Cozy and comfortable. Suggestions: make it clear on the website that there is no phone reception, or wifi to allow guests to prepare and down load movies and music if they wish. Washing facilities were out of order (wasn’t a problem on this visit) and photo of riverside hot tub a bit miss leading. Excellent stay, very enjoyable, would recommended to others.
hadley B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Jul 2022
Hi Hadley,
So glad you loved Magic Cottage! Just to clarify that we only set up the Hot Tub when it's booked for use as it's an optional extra 😊 so it wouldn't have been set up during your stay!
Glad you had some sunshine and enjoyed the escape and look forward to welcoming you back again 😀
Anna
We stayed for the long weekend clean and tidy place with beautiful environment and eco friendly and so romantic. The place is right beside the river so it’s private you can hear birds singing see the fish and eels, perfect getaways from the business of the city.
The Magic Cottage was absolutely fantastic and we've had a wonderful stay there. The outdoor bath, the setting by the river and the beautiful gardens were a real highlight of our stay.
Hidden down a dirt road you arrive in paradise. Room I ready and open for your arrival. You will see one of the owners at some stage but love the fact your left go just relax and enjoy where you are. Stayed 3 days but would have loved to stay longer.